Everton expect Leighton Baines transfer interest even if he signs a new contract

Thumbs up: Manchester United may have competition for Baines after this week (Image: Michael Regan - The FA)

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Never mind left-back... Leighton Baines is one of the best players in the world, full stop.

That’s the view of his Everton boss, and the reason why Roberto Martinez insists the speculation over his star’s future will continue incessantly, whether he signs a new contract or not.

With Manchester United still lurking in the background, ready to submit a new offer for Baines when the January window opens, the Toffees know they will have another massive fight to keep him - particularly after his outstanding performances for his country.

Yet Martinez is pragmatic about the whole situation after beating back three United offers in the summer, when he insisted a new contract is not as important as the player feeling proud to represent the club he supported as a boy.

Martinez said: “I don’t think it’s less likely there will be speculation if he signs a contract, He’s an icon for us. He’s not just a top left-back, he’s an Evertonian and it’s what he represents to us.

“Signing a contract or not wouldn’t stop the speculation. You’re never going to stop the rumours and talk that comes with a player performing so, so well at such a high level.

“Seriously, I’m not concerned about that because you can never stop it. Cavani signed a new one and then he got sold a few months later. Throughout the world of football, players have become big assets. That’s never going to change.

“The important thing for us, is that Leighton is enjoying his football and consistent with his performances. I want him to be proud of being an Everton footballer and playing here - that is the most important thing we can do this season.”

Martinez said: “You can look throughout world football and won’t find many players as complete as Leighton.

“You have outstanding attackers who find it difficult to defend or you have outstanding defenders who find it difficult to get into the final third. Then there are players who are good at both, but don’t have the understanding or energy to perform the role.

“He covers everything. He can take free-kicks, all the dead ball qualities he has and gets into the final third with an incredible threat. And defensively he’s as good a left-back as you're ever going to get.”

While talks will proceed over the course of the next few months to reward Baines with a new deal, after he was denied the chance of Champions League football with United, Martinez admits that if negotiations drag on towards the summer, then there could be problems.

“We don’t need the money - you cannot replace a player like Leighton Baines." he said.

“Everyhing comes down to him being able to enjoy his football, but it could be that by next summer the contract becomes an issue because you don’t want assets to be devalued.

“I’m conscious we will never get away from that debate and that speculation but I we would want to protect such a huge asset.”

The 28-year-old showed his incredible range of delivery with a string of outstanding crosses that tipped the game in England’s favour.

(Image: Steve Bardens - The FA)

While Martinez is certain his player now deserves the position full time, he doesn’t see why Baines and Cole can’t play together for the national team.

“Yes, they could play in the same team. Good players can fit in anywhere. Leighton can play in any position, he can do what Philip Lahm is doing for Bayern Munich, in front of the back four,” he explained. “But his best position is left-back.

"You don’t get many players in world football who can be outstanding in so many jobs on the pitch and it would be a real shame to lose that.

“Of course, it becomes biased, but I would always want Leighton to play - that’s normal. But when you see the football Leighton played in the last two England games, that’s a real football statement.”